“I don’t want a Pope who criticizes the President of the United States” — Trump attacks Pope Leo XIV

US President Donald Trump has sharply criticised Pope Leo XIV in a public statement that escalates tensions between the White House and the Vatican, focusing on crime policy, foreign affairs, and the Pope’s public commentary on global issues.

Trump said he rejected what he described as the Pope’s criticism of his administration, insisting he is carrying out the mandate he received from voters. “I don’t want a Pope who criticizes the President of the United States because I’m doing exactly what I was elected… to do,” he said.

He also accused the pontiff of being “weak on crime” and “terrible for Foreign Policy,” arguing that the Church leader has taken positions that conflict with US national security priorities.

On nuclear policy, Trump stated: “I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon,” adding that such a position is unacceptable from his perspective on global security.

He also referenced US–Latin America relations, claiming opposition to his administration’s approach in the region. “I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s terrible that America attacked Venezuela,” he said, describing Venezuela as a source of drugs and criminal activity affecting the United States.

Trump further defended his record in office, pointing to crime reduction and economic performance. He claimed his administration is “setting Record Low Numbers in Crime, and creating the Greatest Stock Market in History.”

In unusually personal remarks, Trump contrasted the Pope with a relative, saying: “I like his brother Louis much better than I like him, because Louis is all MAGA. He gets it, and Leo doesn’t!”

He also questioned the circumstances of the Pope’s selection, claiming he was not widely expected to be chosen and suggesting political motivations influenced the decision. “He wasn’t on any list to be Pope… and was only put there by the Church because he was an American,” Trump said.

The statement concluded with a direct appeal for the Pope to change course, saying: “Leo should get his act together as Pope, use Common Sense, stop catering to the Radical Left, and focus on being a Great Pope, not a Politician.”